4-ACES MUNICIPALITIES
Caraquet
The creation of the Corporation Centre-ville Caraquet inc. in 1992 marked the beginning of work to revitalize the area. Since then, Caraquet has demonstrated its capabilities: it has twice been designated the Cultural Capital of Canada, has become a widely popular tourist destination, has lowered its commercial vacancy rate from 35% at the beginning of the revitalization work to less than 5% today, has made the area more attractive through building renovations respectful of the local heritage, has capitalized on green initiatives and has highlighted the Acadian identity.
Caraquet's website
Coaticook
For the past several years, Coaticook has been taking up the challenges associated with the revitalization of its downtown. The establishment of a commercial activity diversification and support program at the municipal level, the renovation of a number of downtown commercial buildings, thanks to the municipality’s financial support, and the organization of consensus-generating events are a few of the initiatives that have helped to reassert the distinct image of downtown Coaticook, on a local and regional scale.
Coaticook's website
Donnacona
Since 1999, the image of downtown Donnacona has been evolving as a result of the efforts of local stakeholders. The renovation of a number of businesses and residences has helped create a friendlier, more welcoming environment. The organized activities being held in the downtown area are also remarkable, as evidenced by the Festival de Blues, which is in the process of becoming a not-to-be-missed event. As regards the social economy, the revitalization of the area saw two new businesses of this type become established. The degree and number of successes are good reason for the residents to be proud of their community.
Donnacona's website
Drummondville
The more than 25 years of revitalization work have provided Drummondville with a well thought-out and efficient approach to local development. The Commissariat au commerce and the Ville de Drummondville, together with local players, are stimulating the economy of the downtown area and are enhancing the environment of the citizens. The steps taken in recruiting new businesses, the implementation of an commendable animation and promotion policy and the safeguard of a quality built environment have indeed placed Drummondville on the path to sustainable development.
Drummondville's website
Montmagny
After 20 years of revitalization work, Montmagny has harvested the fruit of an exemplary commitment. With the creation of a calendar consisting of more than 25 animation and promotion activities, a rich cultural policy, financial assistance programs for merchants and business people and a marked pre-occupation with heritage conservation, the local actors are able to offer residents a truly unique environment. Innovative approaches, such as the establishment of an SPAIP in the two industrial sectors or the policy for welcoming new families, contribute greatly to this quality of life.
Montmagny's website
Nicolet
Since 2003, the Ville de Nicolet and many partners have been committed to a revitalization strategy and have succeeded in making downtown Nicolet a friendly, lively place…one that has renewed its ties with its river. The years since have seen many businesses start up, the development of a public place, some 20 building renovation projects and a wide range of activities that help add new life to downtown Nicolet. Combined, these actions have made it possible to rekindle the flame and enhance not only residents' feeling of belonging to their community, but also that of merchants and employees.
Nicolet's website
Rimouski
The Ville de Rimouski and its different partners have, since 2003, successfully promoted and created conditions conducive to the downtown area's social and economic vitality. The hiring of Urban Valets and on-going public activities and events have helped to make downtown Rimouski an increasingly welcoming place to be. A new entertainment building has been opened and there is now a public market, confirming the central role that this sector now plays in the holding of commercial, cultural and social activities and in helping to spread downtown Rimouski's outreach on a regional scale.
Rimouski's website
Saguenay (Arr. Chicoutimi)
The Borough of Chicoutimi has been working on the revitalization of its central districts since 1996. Eleven active working committees have been concentrating on the planning and implementation of development projects. The creation of the Croissant culturel, one of the success stories, highlights the impressive concentration of cultural organizations and sites in the area. Many tools and initiatives have also made it possible to fortify commercial activity and recruit new businesses.
Saguenay (Arr. Chicoutimi)'s website
Saint-Eustache
Saint-Eustache has been pursuing a revitalization strategy since 1994 and today it is indeed a model of sustainability and coherence in the planning of community development initiatives. In choosing to capitalize on the preservation and enhancement of its built heritage and local culture, Saint-Eustache effectively created a distinctive image for its downtown area. The mill, Moulin Légaréart, which has been put back into operation, and the art centre, La petite église, are eloquent examples of heritage development. Pleased with the results of the work carried out downtown, the Ville de Saint-Eustache recently decided to extend the area of revitalization to include the Grande-Côte business sector.
Saint-Eustache's website
Saint-Pascal
The Municipality of Saint-Pascal has travelled a remarkable path since 2001. With the establishment of a global revitalization strategy, based on joint-action, this community of 3600 residents took up major challenges. The local actors have given investors to again have reason to be confident about the area's development potential, are offering a socio-cultural program that draws a regional clientele, have affirmed the tourism vocation of Saint-Pascal and have put in place an exemplary family policy. As a result of such outcomes, Saint-Pascal is again a place of choice in the Kamouraska region.
Saint-Pascal's website
Saint-Raymond
The exceptional commitment of local actors has meant that Saint-Raymond now has one of the loveliest commercial streets in Québec. Were it not for this long-range work, the downtown area would not have been able to regain the degree of economic and commercial vitality that it now enjoys, which represents several millions of dollars in private investments. As well, the conservation and enhancement of the local heritage have given the street a unique character. The animation and promotion work carried out in the sector also helped improve the overall atmosphere of Saint-Raymond. The experience…a good one!...continues to be applied to the entire municipality.
Saint-Raymond's website